Cattle handling system and method of installing same

ABSTRACT

A cattle handling system comprises a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side and extending generally parallel to each other. Brackets for mounting the stall dividers are connected directly to a concrete slab and allow for connection of the stall dividers to the brackets in a one man operation without the need for embedding vertical members in the slab. The position of the brackets are located on the concrete slab by use of a mounting jig. The brackets may have a vertical adjustment allowing for an increase or decrease in the working height of the stall dividers.

INTRODUCTION

[0001] This invention relates to a cattle handling system and, moreparticularly, to an improved cattle handling apparatus and method whichare used for separating cattle stalls within a barn in order to allowfor individual stalls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, in dairy operations, cows are sheltered within a barnor a barn may be available in the event of inclement weather orotherwise. The cows may rest or may be fed and milked within the barn. Afurther area is generally provided for allowing the cows to rest if theyare not eating. The rest area is divided into stalls to separate theresting cows. This prevents interference between the resting cows. Thestalls are arranged on an elongate concrete slab which runs the lengthof the barn within which the cows are located and is of a width thatallows the cows to stand or lie such that the manure from the restingcows is deposited outside the width of the elongate slab for conveniencein manure gathering and disposition. The slab is covered with bedding ofan appropriate nature, such as compost, hay, sawdust and the like andmay be underlaid with a rubber mattress, all of which is intended toprovide for the comfort of the cows.

[0003] The installation of the stall dividers has previously beenachieved by installing a vertical hollow metallic member, or a woodmember, which member is positioned or embedded in the concrete slab whenthe concrete is initially poured or which is attached to the surface ofthe slab following the pouring operation. The vertical members areplaced in the wet concrete a predetermined distance apart and arearranged to extend vertically so far as is possible. Following theinstallation of the vertical members and the drying and hardening of theconcrete, brackets are mounted on the vertical members at desiredvertical positions. The brackets allow for the insertion of the actualstall divider members themselves. The stall divider members extendgenerally normal to the longitudinal center line of the slab.

[0004] This prior art technique has disadvantages. First, it is timeconsuming for the contractor pouring the concrete slab to await theinstallation of the vertical members prior to or during the concretepouring operation. Secondly, the vertical and horizontal positioning ofthe members is time consuming and difficult to maintain particularlyduring the pouring operation when the concrete is applying strong forceson the members thereby tending to change their positions. Although thevertical member, following installation, allows for vertical adjustmentof the stall dividers, which vertical adjustment may be useful forcattle of different sizes, the presence of the posts permanentlyinstalled detracts from the otherwise clean presence of the flatconcrete. Further, damage to the posts will always occur over time dueto the severe operating conditions under which they are used, namely themovement of large cows which exerts significant forces against the stalldividers. Finally, there is no post installation flexibility once theposts are embedded in the concrete.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed amethod of installing at least two stall dividers in an elongate slabhaving a longitudinal axis and a predetermined width, said methodcomprising marking said longitudinal axis on said elongate slab,drilling at least two (2) adjacent holes a predetermined distance aparton said marked longitudinal axis of said slab, positioning a jig havinga first and second member associated with said first and second ones ofsaid at least two (2) holes, respectively, on said longitudinal axis,said first and second members each having a first hole aligned with eachof said first and second ones of said at least two (2) holes,respectively, each of said first and second members having a second holelocated outwardly from and normal to said longitudinal axis, said secondholes in said first and second members being a distance apart identicalto the distance apart of said first holes in said first and secondmembers and drilling said second holes in said elongate slab.

[0006] According to a further aspect of the invention, there isdisclosed a jig used to provide an installation position for a stalldivider connected to a bracket, said jig having a first adjustablelongitudinal member, said first adjustable longitudinal member having apair of holes located therein arranged a predetermined and adjustabledistance part, second and third members arranged on the opposite ends ofsaid first adjustable longitudinal member, each of said second and thirdmembers having a first hole located normal to and outwardly from a linejoining said pair of holes, said first holes of said second and thirdmembers being a distance apart which is identical to the distance apartof said pair of holes.

[0007] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there isdisclosed a bracket used for installing a cattle stall divider, saidbracket comprising a first member for attachment to a slab or foundationand a second member associated with said first member and being locatedabove said first member, said second member having an attachment toallow the connection of a third member.

[0008] According to still yet a further aspect of the invention, thereis disclosed a method of installing a bracket used in cattle handling toa slab having a longitudinal axis, said method comprising the steps ofcorrectly positioning said bracket relative to said longitudinal axisand securing said bracket to said slab.

[0009] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there isdisclosed a bracket used for installing a cattle stall divider, saidbracket being attachable to a slab or other foundation, said bracketcomprising a first member attachable to said slab or foundation, afourth member adjustable relative to said first member and a secondmember associated with said first and fourth members and being mountedto said fourth member above said attachment of said first member to saidslab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with the use of drawings in which:

[0011]FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic isometric view of a cattle handlingstall installation according to the prior art;

[0012]FIG. 1B is an enlarged isometric view of the cattle handling stallinstallation of FIG. 1A showing the components in greater detail;

[0013]FIG. 1C is a side diagrammatic view of a single stall installationof the cattle handling system of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0014]FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic isometric view of the cattle handlingsystem which includes the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2B is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of FIG. 2Aparticularly illustrating various of the components in greater detail;

[0016]FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic isometric view of the cattle handlingsystem of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to a further embodiment of theinvention;

[0017]FIG. 3B is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of FIG. 3Aparticularly illustrating various of the components in greater detail;

[0018]FIG. 3C is a side view of the apparatus according to the inventionin a single row type installation;

[0019]FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic isometric view of a first stall basebracket assembly according to one aspect of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic isometric view of a second stall basebracket assembly according to a further aspect of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of the apparatus according to the inventionsimilar to FIG. 3C but in a head to head type installationconfiguration;

[0022]FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and side views, respectively, of theadjustable stall base bracket assembly according to a further aspect ofthe invention; and

[0023]FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan and end views, respectively, of the jigused to install the floor brackets according to yet a further aspect ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, a cattle handling system accordingto the prior art is shown generally at 100 in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C. Thesystem 100 includes a plurality of metallic posts 101 (FIG. 1C) whichare embedded in a concrete slab 102 at the time of pouring the concretefor the slab 102. The metallic posts 101 extend generally vertically outof the concrete slab 102. Upper and lower brackets 103, 104,respectively, are mounted to the posts 101 as illustrated. The brackets103, 104 have cylindrical members 110 mounted thereto which cylindricalmembers 110 extend generally horizontally and which are adapted toreceive the round tubing 111 of the actual stall dividers generallyillustrated at 112. Longitudinal reinforcing members 113 on each side ofthe longitudinal axis 116 of the slab 102 are positioned on brackets 115attached to the stall dividers 112. The reinforcing members 113 serve toreinforce the stall dividers 112 and also to prevent the inward movementof the cattle when the cattle enter the stalls.

[0025] From the prior art technique illustrated in respect of FIGS. 1Athrough 1C, the disadvantages of the installation become apparent.First, the posts 101 must be embedded in the concrete which is doneappropriately only when the concrete is being poured. The concretecontractor may have no experience in installing such posts while theconcrete is being poured and, in any event, additional manpower isnecessary. Further, positioning the posts 101 vertically which isimportant for the eventual proper installation of the stall dividers 112is difficult to do when the concrete is being poured. The posts 101 mustbe maintained in their desired position during the pouring and thepouring of the wet concrete can exert a destabilising force on the posts101 during this period. Following the proper installation of the posts101 in the slab 102, the installation of the stall dividers 112 isgenerally a two man operation. The first man holds the stall divider 112and the second man arranges and positions the brackets 103, 104 whileguiding the ends of the stall dividers 112 into the receptaclesassociated with the brackets 103, 104. Following the completedinstallation, the posts 101 are vulnerable to damage by the movement ofthe large animals, namely cows, which brush the stall dividers 112and/or posts 101 associated with the stall dividers 112. Likewise, theposts 101 potentially interfere with the movement and thereby affect thecomfort of the cows.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a stall base floor mountedbracket according to a first embodiment of the invention is generallyillustrated at 200 and is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 4A. Thebracket 200 has a first lower member 201 for attaching to the concreteslab 102 as will be described. An upper member 203 which comprises acylindrical metal member is connected to the lower member 201 as bywelding. The upper member 203 is used as a female receiving member forreceiving an end of each of the stall dividers 112 as will be described.

[0027] Lower member 201 has three (3) holes 204 comprising a centralhole and two side holes. The holes 204 are used for securing the floormounted bracket 200 to the concrete slab 102 in its desired installationposition as also will be described. Upper member 203 has two holes 210extending therethrough. Holes 210 in upper member 203 are used for thepurpose of holding the stall dividers in the desired position during theinstallation process also as will be described.

[0028] A stall base floor mounted bracket according to a further aspectof the invention is generally illustrated at 300 in FIG. 4B. Thisbracket 300 is similar to the bracket 200 of FIG. 4A but in addition tothe lower member 301 and upper member 302, an adjustment member 303 isprovided to allow for the vertical adjustment of upper member 302relative to lower member 301 by moving adjustment member 303 up or downrelative to the lower member 301. This vertical adjustment will allowthe stall dividers 112 to be vertically adjusted relative to theconcrete slab 102 on which the brackets 300 are installed. The concreteslab 102 is not perfectly horizontal throughout its length and byraising or lowering each of the stall dividers 112, a more consistentand uniform installation will be obtained. Similarly, the verticaladjustment of the brackets 300 will allow for raising or lowering thestall dividers 112 to allow for cows of different sizes. Mounting holes(not shown) are located in the lower member 301 similar to the mountingholes 204 in the bracket 200 of FIG. 4A. Bolts 304 are provided forsecuring the adjustment member 303 to the lower member 301 in itsdesired configuration on the floor mounted bracket 300.

[0029] Two configurations of the installed stall dividers 112 are shownin FIGS. 3C and 5, respectively. FIG. 3C illustrates the stall divider112 in a single row application; that is, only one row of cows isintended to be separated by the stall dividers 112 after installationaccording to FIG. 3C. FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration where a headto head application is intended; that is, cows can enter the stallsdelineated by the stall dividers 112 from both the right and left handsides and face each other head to head after entry. The cows in each roware separated by the stall dividers 112 and are restricted from enteringtoo deep into the stalls by the longitudinal reinforcing members 310(FIG. 2B) connected to the stall dividers 112 by brackets 311.

[0030] The longitudinal members 310 thereby allow for reinforcement ofthe stall dividers 113 and for convenient disposal of manure whichresults from the cows after their entry into the stall dividers 112.Inverted U-shaped members 312 known as POLLY PILLOWS (Trademark) andmade from an extruded urethane material may conveniently be installed inthe concrete 313 to position the resting cows. It is uncomfortable forcows to lie on the members 312. Accordingly, the cows will generally liedown outside the members 312 and between the stall dividers 112 in theirpreferred resting positions.

[0031] A floor mount jig used for the proper installation of thebrackets 200 (FIG. 4A) and 300 (FIG. 4B) is generally illustrated at 400in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The jig 400 has a first jig member 401 and a secondjig member 402 which telescopes into the first jig member 401 andthereby provides for an adjustable length “D” between the holes 410 asnoted in FIG. 7A and as will be described. The adjustable length isdetermined by the distance between the stall dividers 112 and thebrackets 200, 300 as the farmer, the dealer, or the size of the cows maydetermine. A pair of end members 403, 404 are connected to first andsecond jig members 401, 402, respectively, as by welding, for example.Each of the end members 403, 404 have three (3) holes drilledtherethrough. Center holes 410 are used for locating the longitudinalpositions between the brackets 200, 300 and therefore the positions ofthe stall dividers 112. Holes 411 are used for establishing the verticalpositions of the brackets 200 (FIG. 4A) and 300 (FIG. 4B) about holes410 thereby to ensure that the stall dividers 112 extend parallel toeach other and perpendicular to the centerline or longitudinal axis 413which extends between the holes 410 in jig 400, all as will beexplained.

Operation

[0032] In operation and with initial reference to FIG. 3A, it will beassumed that the concrete slab 313 has been poured and has dried. It isnow desired to provide the correct installation position for thebrackets 200, 300.

[0033] A chalk line 316 indicating the longitudinal or center axis ofthe concrete slab 313 will be dropped on the slab 313. The line 316will, of course, be straight and will indicate the central mountingpositions for the brackets 200, 300; that is, the center ones of holes204 (FIG. 4A) will all be located on the chalk line 314 when installed.

[0034] Following the dropping of the chalk line 316, a plurality ofholes 317 (FIG. 3A) are marked and drilled a predetermined distanceapart, conveniently a distance of forty eight (48) inches apart on thechalk line 316 although this distance may be varied as desired. Anchorbolts (not shown) are then installed in the drilled holes 317 and,following installation, extend outwardly a short distance from thesurface of the concrete slab 102.

[0035] The floor mount jig 400 (FIG. 7A) is then used for marking anddrilling the remaining holes for brackets 200, 300. Jig 400 is placedwith one of the central holes 410 in first end 403 being placed on oneof the anchor bolts extending from the first of the drilled holes 317.The second central hole 410 in second end 404 is placed on the adjacentone of the anchor bolts in next drilled hole 317. The outer holes 411 inboth first and second ends 403, 404 are then drilled into the slab 102with the jig 400 in position. The jig 400 is then moved to the nextadjacent anchor bolt and the process continues. Thus, when completed,there will be a series of holes located outwardly from the central holes317, which holes provide for the appropriate installation of thebrackets 200, 300, normal or perpendicular to the chalk line 316.

[0036] Anchor bolts are then inserted into the drilled holes and serveas the guides for the installation of the brackets 200, 300, as desired.The brackets 200, 300 are placed on the anchor bolts and fastening bolts(not shown) are inserted through the holes 201, 204 in brackets 200,300, and into the anchor bolts. Tightening the bolts provides for secureinstallation of the brackets 200, 300 in a position wherein the stalldividers 112 extend perpendicular to the center line or longitudinalaxis 316 (FIG. 3A), 413 (FIG. 7A) following their installation in thebrackets 200, 300. Instead of anchor bolts, an epoxy bonding agent tomaintain the anchors within their holes may conveniently be used.

[0037] Vertical adjustment of the brackets 300 (FIG. 4B) is provided byremoval of the bolts 304 and movement of the third or adjustment member303 relative to the first or lower member 301. This vertical adjustmentmay allow for different sized cows and for ensuring the stall dividers112 assume a consistent height throughout the installation as the uppersurface of the concrete slab 313 may not be perfectly uniform throughoutits length.

[0038] Following the installation of the brackets 300 on the concreteslab 102, the stall dividers 112 (FIG. 5) are each manipulated by a userplacing a first end 114 of the stall divider 112 into the upper member302 of the bracket 300 as is also illustrated in FIG. 4B. The first end114 of stall divider 112 has holes (not illustrated) which are intendedto match the holes 314 of the cylindrical or upper member 302 when theproper insertion depth of first end 114 into upper member 302 isreached. A pin or bolt 315 is then dropped into hole 314 of upper member302 and matching hole in first end 114 and the stall divider may then bereleased by the user manipulating the stall divider 112 which will thenbe held in a generally vertical position.

[0039] The opposite or leftwardly located stall divider 112 (FIG. 5)will then be similarly installed; that is, the end 117 will be likewiseinstalled by the user into the cylindrical or upper member 302 and abolt or pin 315 is dropped through the leftwardly located holes 314 inboth the upper member 302 and the end 114 of stall divider 112 (FIG.4B). The two (2) stall dividers 112 will then be assuming a generallyvertical configuration and will stand alone within the upper member 302of bracket 300.

[0040] The user will then select a closing sleeve 320 (FIG. 5). Eachupper end 120 of the stall dividers 112 is inserted into the closingsleeve 320 and a bolt 321 is inserted through complementary holes in theclosing sleeve 320 and the upper ends 120 of the stall dividers 112. Allof the bolts may then be tightened to secure the installation.Longitudinal reinforcing members 310 are then installed between thestall dividers (FIG. 2B) with complementary brackets 311 attached to thestall dividers 112. The reinforcing members 310 provide for thereinforcement of the stall dividers 112 and serve a second purpose inlimiting inwardly movement of the cows when they enter the stallsdefined by the stall dividers 112.

[0041] Following the installation of all the brackets 300, and theinstallation of the stall dividers 112 within the brackets 300, theassembly is surveyed by sight or otherwise. If a vertical adjustment ofthe stall dividers 112 is desired, the adjustment members 303 of thebrackets 300 may be moved vertically by removing bolts 304 and selectinga new configuration wherein the stall dividers 112 all appear to be intheir correct positions along the longitudinal distance of the concreteslab 102. Slotted adjustment holes in brackets 300 may also provide foradjustment for accommodating the differences in concrete elevation thatmay result from a poor concrete pour or inconsistent surface heightalong the slab 102.

[0042] In the event a single row application is desired, reference ismade to FIG. 3C. In this configuration, the stall dividers 112 areinstalled in only one side of the upper member 203 of bracket 200 as isillustrated. Since the free ends 121 of the stall dividers 112 lacktotal stability in this configuration, it is convenient to provideadditional reinforcing members 322 extending between the free ends 121of each of the stall dividers 112 which reinforcing members 322 aresecured by appropriate brackets 323 so that the structural integrity ofthe apparatus is enhanced.

[0043] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described,such embodiments are illustrative of the invention only and should notbe taken as limiting its scope. Many modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art to which the invention relates and theinvention, therefore, should be construed only in accordance with theaccompanying claims.

We claim:
 1. Method of installing at least two stall dividers in anelongate slab having a longitudinal axis and a predetermined width, saidmethod comprising marking said longitudinal axis on said elongate slab,drilling at least two (2) adjacent holes a predetermined distance aparton said marked longitudinal axis of said slab, positioning a jig havinga first and second member associated with said first and second ones ofsaid at least two (2) holes, respectively, on said longitudinal axis,said first and second members each having a first hole aligned with eachof said first and second ones of said at least two (2) holes,respectively, each of said first and second members having a second holelocated outwardly from and normal to said longitudinal axis, said secondholes in said first and second members being a distance apart identicalto the distance apart of said first holes in said first and secondmembers and drilling said second holes in said elongate slab.
 2. Methodas in claim 1 wherein said first and second members have a third holelocated outwardly from and normal to said longitudinal axis, said thirdholes in said first and second members being a distance apart identicalto said distance apart of said first holes in said first and secondmembers and drilling said third holes in said elongate slab.
 3. Methodas in claim 2 and further comprising installing bolts in said second andthird drilled holes in said slab.
 4. Method as in claim 3 wherein saidsecond and third holes are drilled into said slab through said jig. 5.Jig used to provide an installation position for a stall dividerconnected to a bracket, said jig having a first adjustable longitudinalmember, said first adjustable longitudinal member having a pair of holeslocated therein arranged a predetermined and adjustable distance part,second and third members arranged on the opposite ends of said firstadjustable longitudinal member, each of said second and third membershaving a first hole located normal to and outwardly from a line joiningsaid pair of holes, said first holes of said second and third membersbeing a distance apart which is identical to the distance apart of saidpair of holes.
 6. Jig as in claim 5 wherein each of said second andthird members has a second hole located normal to and outwardly fromsaid line joining said pair of holes, each of said second holes beinglocated a distance apart identical to said distance between said pair ofholes.
 7. Bracket used for installing a cattle stall divider, saidbracket comprising a first member for attachment to a slab or foundationand a second member associated with said first member and being locatedabove said first member, said second member having an attachment toallow the connection of a third member.
 8. Bracket as in claim 7 andfurther comprising a fourth member between said first and secondmembers, said fourth member allowing adjustment of the distance betweensaid first and second members.
 9. Bracket as in claim 8 wherein saidslab or foundation has a surface and said first member is attachable tosaid surface.
 10. Bracket as in claim 8 wherein said first member isembedded in said slab or foundation.
 11. Bracket as in claim 9 whereinsaid first member is attached to said surface of said slab or foundationby bolts.
 12. Bracket as in claim 8 and further comprising a fifthmember, said fifth member and said third member being connected to saidsecond member.
 13. Bracket as in claim 12 wherein said second member istubular and said third and fifth members are inserted into said tubular.14. Bracket as in claim 13 wherein said third and fifth members arestall dividers.
 15. Method of installing a bracket used in cattlehandling to a slab having a longitudinal axis, said method comprisingthe steps of correctly positioning said bracket relative to saidlongitudinal axis and securing said bracket to said slab.
 16. Method asin claim 15 wherein said slab has a surface and said bracket is securedto said surface.
 17. Method as in claim 15 wherein said bracket isembedded in said slab.
 18. Bracket used for installing a cattle stalldivider, said bracket being attachable to a slab or other foundation,said bracket comprising a first member attachable to said slab orfoundation, a fourth member adjustable relative to said first member anda second member associated with said first and fourth members and beingmounted to said fourth member above said attachment of said first memberto said slab.